Frequently Asked Questions
Health insurance Questions - Why do I need health insurance?
The cost of health care in United States is very high. You simply may not get the best treatment if you cannot prove that you have the ability to pay the bills. Without insurance, you could also face financial ruin if you have a serious accident or illness. This, in turn, could prevent you from completing your studies in the U.S.
- When should I buy health insurance?
It is a good idea to purchase health insurance to cover your trip from your home country to the U.S. and the first month in the U.S. That way, you are covered while you investigate the best plan for your needs.
- Am I required to buy The University of Akron's student health insurance policy?
No. You are permitted to purchase a different one, but it must be equivalent.You can have a look at the list of Insurance Companies currently accepted by The University of Akron
- How do I decide which insurance policy is right for me?
Read the whole brochure, paying attention to maximum coverage(the higher the amount the better), deductible amount (the lower the better), exclusions and limitations (the fewer the better), amount of co-payment (the lower the better), pre-treatment cerification requirements, and application and claims procedures.
- Can Graduate Assistants use their fee remission to pay for health insurance?
No. The health insurance fee is not included in the fee remission.
- My spouse/children are here. Where do I need to go in order to buy the University insurance policy for them?
List of Insurance Companies currently accepted by the University of Akron
- Now I have insurance; where do I go if I get sick?
Start with the campus Health Services. Have your student ID card ready. Even if they cannot solve the problem, they will be able to refer you to someone who can.
- What if the Health Services is closed? (Some are closed at night or on weekends.)
If the injury or illness is life-threatening, you are bleeding uncontrollably, or you feel the injury could result in permanent damage to vital organ or limb, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Room. Be sure to take your health insurance card of certificate, because you will probably be asked for it before you see a doctor.
- What do I need to do to file an insurance claim?
1. Carefully follow the Claim Procedure instructions in your insurance brochure and instruction sheet.
2. If you go to the doctor or hospital, take your Student Insurance Identification Card with you. (If you have not received this card within two weeks after paying for your insurance, notify Leonard Insurance Services, telephone 330-266-1904 or go online and get a copy of temporary card). The doctor's office or hospital will need to verify your insurance coverage by calling Student Claims Administrators.
3. Obtain claim forms online from the insurance company website.
4. Keep a photocopy of everything you send to the insurance company in case something gets lost or you have questions. If you have any concerns or questions about your University of Akron health insurance policy, call Leonard Insurance Services' Office at (800)451-1904.
- How can I pay for treatment that is not covered by my insurance(for example, pre-existing conditions, eyeglasses, or dentalcare)?
Whenever possible, take care of dental and vision problems before leaving home. Dental and Vision Insurance is not required but the University encourages students to have one. If you have to have treatment not covered by your insurance policy, it is important to discuss your financial situation with a financial counselor at the hospital or clinic before any elective (non-emergency) treatment. Find out how much the procedure will cost. They will ask you to list your assets. Tell them how much of your savings you could comfortably use to pay for this procedure. Some hospitals/clinics may demand paymnet in advance; others may be willing to arrange a payment schedule to pay the balance owed over time.
- What if something happens and I can't meet the payment schedule?
It is very important to talk to the financial counselors with whom you made the agreement. If you do not make regular payments, they will hire a bill collector to try to get the money from you. Bill collectors are much more aggressive and threatening in their methods of collection.
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